At 19:17 this evening, the volunteers of Skerries Coast Guard were tasked to investigate a missing person report. A vigilant member of the public had contacted the Coast Guard on 999. They had spotted a person entering the water on Portrane beach and minutes later noted that they had failed to return. The Coast Guard immediately launched a major rescue operation, tasking all of the State’s emergency services to the area (Gardai, Fire Brigade, Ambulance, and Coast Guard rescue teams). The Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 116, based nearby at Dublin Airport was scrambled to the scene. The Howth all weather lifeboat was on exercise in the area and was also requested to assist. With darkness falling rapidly, a search of the Portrane shoreline commenced. Fortunately, the person was quickly spotted and rescued from the water some distance from the shore. The casualty was evacuated from the scene for medical treatment.
Remember – if you spot someone in difficulty on the coast or cliffs, call 999 or 112 and ask for the COAST GUARD. Your call could save their life.
Incident # 23 of 2010